PLAXIS 3D WorkSuite

Frequently Asked Questions

Important changes to PLAXIS LE and PLAXIS Designer Support. Learn more about alternative and migration options.

What is included in PLAXIS 3D WorkSuite?

• PLAXIS 3D Dynamics: 3D Geotechnical Dynamic Modeling Software 
  Analyze the effects of man-made or natural seismic vibrations in soil with PLAXIS 3D Dynamics. Perform analyses on the effects of vibrations in the soil from earthquakes, pile driving, vehicle movement, heavy machinery, or train travel. PLAXIS 3D Dynamics is an easy-to-use, add-on module to PLAXIS 3D; so, when you need something that goes beyond the low-frequency vibrations, this is the choice for you. PLAXIS 3D Dynamics module can handle more advanced seismic analysis than what is available by default in PLAXIS and can accurately calculate the effects of vibrations with a dynamics analysis when the frequency of the dynamic load is higher than the natural frequency of the medium. PLAXIS 3D Dynamics also allows for performing a ground response analysis, and liquefaction analysis using the UBCSand model.
• PLAXIS 3D PlaxFlow: 3D Geotechnical Groundwater Flow Software 
  Go beyond the default options of steady-state groundwater flow analysis of PLAXIS with the PLAXIS 3D PlaxFlow add-on module. Simulate the unsaturated, time-dependent, and anisotropic behavior of soil with PLAXIS 3D PlaxFlow. Simultaneously calculate changes in pore pressures and deformation by performing a fully-coupled flow-deformation analysis. Plus, the Flow-only mode excludes displacements and stresses from the calculation if you are only interested in groundwater flow, making this application easier to use.
• PLAXIS Designer
  PLAXIS Designer is easy-to-use for building 3D conceptual models that can help you overcome the challenges of merging and analyzing data. With Bentley’s open modeling environment, PLAXIS Designer enables you to visualize and manipulate geotechnical site data such as topology, boreholes, piezometers, and other field instrumentation data, as well as engineering staged construction and design.

What does PLAXIS mean? What is PLAXIS used for?

Plaxis is a computer application that performs finite element analyses (FEA) within the realm of geotechnical engineering, including deformation, stability and water flow. The name PLAXIS comes from Plastic and AXISymmetry, indicating the geometric types handled in the original code of the software application.

Where can I find PLAXIS 3D tutorial?

Whilst lots of PLAXIS 3D tutorials can be found on Bentley Communities, here are some FREE PLAXIS 3D learning resources available at Virtuosity, Bentley’s eStore.

What is the interface in PLAXIS?

By applying interface elements PLAXIS users can simulate the interaction between a structure and soil. While without an interface no relative displacement (slipping/gapping) will be possible between structure and soil.

When interface applied, node pairs will be created at the interface of structure and soil. Each node pair consists of two nodes – one belongs to the structure and the other belongs to the soil. The interaction between these two nodes consists of two elastic-perfectly plastic springs. One elastic-perfectly plastic spring to model the gap displacement and one elastic-perfectly plastic spring to model slip displacement.

Where can I get PLAXIS 3D training or PLAXIS course?

If you want to receive tailored training or attend a PLAXIS 3D course that is specific to your project requirement, Virtuosity offers extra training and mentoring services. You can choose from tailor-made training, on-demand learning, consulting services, mentoring and more.

What is the price of PLAXIS 3D? How much does PLAXIS 3D cost?

A practitioner license of PLAXIS 3D costs $9,663 USD, PLAXIS 3D Advanced costs $12,930 USD, PLAXIS 3D Ultimate costs $15,851 USD and PLAXIS 3D WorkSuite costs $20,774 USD. Prices vary per region. While there are various types of licensing available, a common choice is the 12-month practitioner license offered through Virtuosity, Bentley’s eCommerce store. When you purchase through Virtuosity, you get a Virtuoso Subscription which means you get both the software AND the training, expert services, and custom mentoring you need to get started quickly.

What is Seequent?

Seequent, The Bentley Subsurface Company | Seequent is the subsurface software company within Bentley Systems. Together, we’re helping build a more resilient future by connecting the built world above ground with the hidden world below it. It’s easy to purchase a Virtuoso Subscription, through Virtuosity, Bentley’s eStore, and still get the expert technical support from Seequent’s subsurface experts.